Questioned under Caution

[spacejag]

Is it possible to be questioned under caution when not actually accused of anything? For instance answering questions about someone else who is accused of fraud.

[loonytunes]

An interview under caution is voluntary and the interviewee is able to leave at any time. There is no cumpulsion to answer any of the questions. If being questioned as an accused person, it is required to tell you what the interview is about before you start. What you have described sounds a little confused if you are not the accused or likely to be involved in a later charge.

[spacejag]

Thanks for your answer loony. I also should have said that it won't be the police - it's the DSS fraud people. My partner is the one under suspision, and they want to question me to confirm her statement. Does this make a difference?

[Buenchico]

DSS staff know that some people suspected of benefit fraud will tell them a pack of lies and persuade someone else to back up their story. (I'm not suggesting that applies to you and your partner, but the DSS staff have to regard everyone with the same degree of suspicion).

If the person who backs up the false statements of the benefit claimant is later found to have lied, both people can be charged with 'conspiracy to pervert the course of justice'. It's because of the possibility of you facing such a charge (if you lie) that the DSS question you under caution, in order that your statements can be used as evidence against you in court.

Chris